Combined assembling press and welding machine



Aug 5, 1941.

G. G. CARLSON COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS AND WELDING MACHINE Filed April12, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug 5, 1941. G. G. CARLSON COMBINEDASSEMBLING PRESS AND WELDING MACHINE Filed April 12, '1939 10Sheets-Sheet 2 QN W I :z: FELL I I l I I I n 0 6 m e 6 e w pm 8 1941- G.G. CARLSON 2,251,324

COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS AND WELDING MACHINE Filed April 12, 1939 10Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug 5, 1941. G. G. CARLSON COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS ANDWELDING MACHINE Filed April 12. 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug 5, 1941. e.G. CARLSON COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS AND WELDING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet5 Filed April 12, 1959 Aug 1941- e. CARLSON 2,251,324

COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS AND WELDING MACHINE Filed April 12, 1959 10Sheets-Sheet 6 I EZ E I .5211872527 5 6:507:96 G Car/5072 M V I Aug 5,1941. G. G. CARLSON COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS AND WELDING MACHINE FiledApril 12, 1939 l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 QQM fizz/ezzzzw 66072576 6 Caribou,

Aug 5, 1941- G. G. CARLSON I COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS AND WELDINGMACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed April 12, 1939 I I l I IL Aug 5, 1941.G. G. CARLSON COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS AND WELDING MACHINE Filed April12, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet l0 i @21671837 69071929 6 Ca rZJora PatentedAug. 5, 1941 1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COMBINED ASSEMBLING PRESS ANDWELDIN -MACHINE George G. Carlson, Rockford, Ill assignor to Borg-WarnerComratlomChicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application April 12,1939, Serial No. 267,369

(pi. are-s) 28 Claims.

telescope with a press fit, which includes the steps of separatelysupporting the fittings and the shaft in axially aligned adjacentrelationship in such a manner {as to allow them to rotate around theircommon axis, pressing the fittings into telescoping connection with therespective ends of the shaft while thus supported, applying rotatlvepower separately to each of the fittings while thus supported so as torotate the assembled fittings and shaft without allowing either of thefittings to slip relative to the shaft while being thus rotated, andwelding the fittings to the shaft during the rotation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine adapted to carryout, in a semi-automatic manner, the steps in the aforesaid method.

Another object, of the invention is to provide,

switch tripped by the pressing means at the end I of the forward strokeof the latter.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combined assemblingpress and welding machine of the type indicated above, wherein theholding of one of the fittings in assembling position is accomplished bya hydraulic chuck, and whereinthe pressing means is in the form of ahydraulic press acting against the other fitting.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combined assemblingpress and welding machine wherein both the chucking and pressingoperations are manually controlled so as to allow the operator toascertain whether the chucked fitting is properly positioned beforeallowing the pressing operation to proceed, and wherein the control ofboth operations is effected by a single control element having a firstposition for initiating the chucking operation and a second posiin acombined assembling press and welding machine, means to support a shaft,means to press a fitting into a press fit connection with an end of theshaft, and means, initiated at the completion of the pressing operationfor welding the fitting to the shaft.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in a combined assemblingpress and welding machine of the type indicated in the last paragraph,means initiated at the completion of the pressing operation forreleasing the shaft and fittings from the pressure of the pressing meansso as to allow the shaft and fittings to be freely rotated for thewelding operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide -a combined assemblingpress and welding machine of the typ indicated above, wherein thepressure releasing means is adapted to act with sufllcient rapidity to'allow the means for rotating the shaft-and fittings to be initiated si-7 tion for initiating the pressing operation, and wherein subsequentoperations are automatic, up to the completion of the welding operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combined assemblingpress and welding machine of the type indicated above, wherein thewelding is terminated, and the rotation is stopped, at the completion ofapproximately one full revolution of the work, by means of a limitswitch, controlled by the work rotating mechanism.

Other objects, the advantages and uses of the invention will becomeapparent after reading the following specification and claims, and afterconsideration of the drawings forming a part of the specification,wherein:

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view- Fig. 9 is a transversesectional view taken on the line 8-9 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 10 is a detail elevational view of the welding unit support;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the manual con-r trol mechanism taken asindicated by the line Il!l of Fig. 5 and Fig. 12 showing the manualcontrol lever in the fully on position;

Fig. 12 is a transverse vertical sectional view thereof taken on theline |2l2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a detail view of the control cam, taken on the line I3l3 ofFig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a detail view showing the manual control lever in the offposition;

Fig. 15 is a schematic view illustrating in diagram the fluid circuit ofthe operating mechanism; and

Fig. 16 is a schematic view illustrating in diagram the electricalcircuit of the machine.

As an illustration of one form in which the invention may be embodied, Ihave shown in the accompanying drawings a machine for semiautomaticallypressing a yoke 20 (Fig. 3) and a stub end 22 (Fig. 4) into therespective ends of a tubular torque shaft 24 of an automotive vehicle,and welding these parts in the assembled positions thus obtained.

Such a machine may include a base comprising side rails 26 connected inspaced relationship by cross members 28, 30 (Fig. 4) and 32 (Fig. 9). Inthe base A is mounted (Figs. 1 and 2) the chucking unit B, the pressingunit C, the workrotating mechanism E, the welding heads F and G, thepressure relieving or backing-off unit H,

the manual control means I, the automatic control means including theair valve mechanism J for controlling the backing-01f unit H, thestarting switch K for controlling the starting of the welding heads Fand G are the work-revolving mechanism E, and the limit switch L forcontrolling the stopping of the welding heads and the work-revolvingmechanism E, and the guard mechanism M.

The various units above pointed out are shown in detail as follows:

In Fig. 3 the chucking unit B;

In Fig. 4, the hydraulic pressing mechanism C, the backing-off mechanismH and the control therefor J, and the starting switch K;

In Fig. 5, the backingofl unit H, the control therefor J, and thestarting switch K;

In Fig. 6, the starting switch K;

In Fig. 7, the work-revolving mechanism E and the limit switch L;

In Fig. 8, the limit switch mechanism L;

In Fig. 9, the chucking unit B, the guard mechanism M, and the weldinghead F.

In Fig. 10, the welding head support;

In Figs. ll, l2, l3 and 14, the manual control mechanism I.

The chucking and pressing-in units B and C, respectively, are arrangedin the frame A in alignment on a common axis, spaced apart a distancesomewhat greater than the length of the finished torque tube, andopposed to each other. The torque tube 24 is adapted to be supported inV- blocks 38 in alignment with the common axis of the chucking andpressing units B, C, so as to receive the fittings 20, 22, under thecombined action of the chucking and pressing units. The V-blocks 38 maybe suspended in a hanger 40 mounted between the side rails 26 of theframe A, and in a hanger 42 mounted in a cross-bracket 45 (Fig. 5)forming the base of the pressing unit C.

The chuck B is adapted to grip the fitting 20, which comprises the yokeof a universal joint,

' under hydraulic pressure, to pilot the fitting 20 for proper entryinto the tube 24 when the latter is moved toward it under the pressureof the pressing unit C, to resist such pressure during the pressingoperation so as to force the yoke into the end of the tube, as thelatter advances, and, finally, at the completionofthe pressingoperation, to transmit revolving movement to the yoke for the weldingoperation.

The pressing unit C is adapted to support the stud end 22 in properlycentered relationship to the torque tube 24, to move the stub endaxially into the tube 24 and thereby force the tube 24 on to the yoke20, and to thereafter revolve the stub end 22 and the yoke 20 in unisonso as to revolve the entire propeller tube assembly without slippagebetween its parts, whereby to secure a weld of maximum strength.

The work-revolving mechanism E includes an electric motor 46 and atransmission shaft 48 for transmitting rotation simultaneously to therevolving parts of the chucking unit B and pressing unit C. The shaft 48is located directly below and parallel to the common axis of the units-Band C.

The air valve J and starting switch K are also located in conjunctionwith the pressing unit C, being operated by movement of the latter so asto simultaneously initiate operation of the backing off unit H, thework-revolving mechanism E, and the welding units F and G.

The welding heads F and G are mounted on the rear side of the base Aabove the work engaging ends of the chucking and pressing-in units B andC, respectively, and are adapted to be adjusted to the exact positionrequired for maximum welding efiiciency.

The limit switch L is coupled to the transmission shaft 48 so as to becontrolled thereby, and, for convenience, is arranged preferably at theend of the machine adjacent the work-revolving unit E, although it mightbe located at any point along the shaft 48.

Proceeding now with a detailed description of the various parts of themachine, reference will be made first to the Chucking mechanism Thechucking unit (Figs. 3 and 9) includes a frame 50 having wings 52resting upon the upper flanges 54 of the rails 26 and clamped thereto byjaws 56 and set screws 58 so as to be adjustable longitudinally on thebase A. Depending from the frame 50 are brackets 60 and 62 in which thetransmission shaft 48 is journalled. The central region of the frame 50comprises a tubular housing 64 in the respective ends of which aremounted bearings 66 and 68.

In the bearings 66, 68 is journalled a tubular spindle 70, one end ofwhich projects from the housing 64 to carry a chuck 72, and the otherend of which projects from the other end of the housing 64 and carries acylinder 14 forming part of the hydraulic chuck operating mechanism. Theentire assembly, including the spindle 10, the chuck i2, and thecylinder 74 is adapted to be rotated in the bearings 66, 68, by means ofa driving gear 16 keyed upon the shaft 48, an idler gear 18 meshing withthe gear 76, and a driven gear keyed upon the spindle l0 and meshingwith the idler gear 18. A gear cover 82, attached to the bracket 62,forms therewith a housing in which the gears l6, l8 and 88 are encased,and in which the stub shaft 84 of the idler gear 18 is mounted.

The chuck I2 includes a bifurcated head 86 (Fig. 9) having a hub portion88 (Fig. 3) secured upon the rear end of the spindle 10 against a flange66. thereon. Between the furcations 62 of the head 66 are mounted a pairof diametrically opposed jaws 64, the ends of which project from thehead 66 and are provided with radially inwardly extending flngers 66adapted to engage the arms 66 of the yoke 26 and to clamp thesameagainst the central region of the head 66. Into the center of the head66 is threaded a pilot stud I66 which is snugly receivable in the hub ofthe yoke 26 so as to accurately center the yoke accuser.

of the beam I62 are received in slots I I6 in the v laws 64. Thebifurcated end I66 of the draw bar is received in a cavity II2'in chuckhead 66. The beam I62 extends through slots H4 in the head 66. The drawbar I66 is mounted in bushings H6 in the spindle 16.

The end thrust to which the chuck is subject during the pressingoperation is transmitted from the head 66 through the flange 66 to theinner race of the bearing 66 the latter being secured against the flange66 by a nut I I6 threaded on the spindle 16. The gear 66 and bearing 66are assembled between a washer I26 located against a shoulder I22 on thespindle 16, and the hub of a face plate I24 which is threaded on theforward end of the spindle 16. The cylinder 14 is mounted upon the faceplate I24.

Threaded upon the forward end of the draw bar I66 is the piston rod I26of a piston I26 slidably mounted in the cylinder 14. The piston rod I26extends through a packing gland I36 in the end wall I32 of the cylinder14.

,In the operation of the chucking unit, fluid is introduced through aninlet port I66 into a chamber I34 formed between the piston I26 and thecylinder end wall I32. This moves the piston I26 to the right as viewedin Fig. 3, thus moving the jaws 94 into engagement with the yoke 26which has been previously inserted over the pilot stud I66 by theoperator, and thoroughly clamping the yoke against the head 66. Uponcompletion of the welding operation, fluid is admitted to a chamber in.the cylinder 14 (not shown) formed between the forward end of thepiston and the forward end of the cylinder, 50 as to move the pistonrearwardly, the fluid in the chamber I64 being allowed to escape,whereby the laws 64 will be moved to open" position so as to allow thefinished work to be taken out of a machine.

Pressing mechanism Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the pressingmechanism includes the bracket 44 which is secured at I66 to the rails26. In the bracket 44 are formed a pair of slideways having bottomsurfaces I52, side surfaces I64 and top surfaces I56, the latter beingdefined by flanges I56.

Pressure for driving the stub end 22 into the I torque tube 24 istransmitted to it by 'a ram I62 which is mounted a gear I16. The gearI16 .7

meshes with an idler gear I16, which in turn meshes with a gear I66keyed upon the rear end of the transmission shaft 46. The said rear endof the shaft 46 and the stub shaft I6I of the idler gear I16, arejournalled in a gear casing comprising a bracket I62 formed integrallywith and depending from the ram shell I64, and a cover plate I64 securedto the bracket I62.

Removably mounted in the revolving cylinder I66 is a stub end iocatorsleeve I66 having a bore I66 terminating in an internally splinedsection I66 adapted to receive the splined portion I6I of the stub end22. The locator sleeve I66 is made removable in order that sleeves ofvarying internal conformation may be substituted, one for another, forreceiving stub ends of different shapes and sizes. The flange I16 of therevolving cylinder I66 is provided with jaw clutch teeth "I, adapted toclutchingly engage lugs I16 formed on the locator sleeve I66. Where thestub end is of the type shown in the drawings, having a reduced shankportion, a guide bushing I92 may be mounted in the forward end of thebore I66, to support such reduced shank portion, the bushing beinginternally toothed so as to allow passage of the spline section I6I.

The rear end of the stub end 22 is adapted to abut against a pressinghead I64 received in an enlargement I66 of the bore I 66 and engagedagainst the rear end of the cylinder I68.

Attached to the rear end of the ram shell I64 is a. yoke-I66 to which issecured, by means of a nut 266, the reduced forward end 262 of thehydraulic piston shaft 264. The shaft 264 projects into a' cylinder 266which is mounted between cylinder heads 266, 2I6, the heads 266, 2I6 inturn being mounted between the side rails 26 of the base. 0n the rearend of the shaft 264 is a piston 2 I2,

which is fitted into the cylinder 266 so as to form between it and therear head 266, a chamber 2I4 into which fluid may be introduced forpushing the ram forwardly, and, between it and the forward cylinder head2I6, a chamber 2I6 into which fluid may be introduced for returning theram to its starting position. The piston rod 264 extends slldablythrough a packing gland H6 in the forward head 2I6.

In the operation of the pressing mechanism, fluid is introduced into thechamber 2I4 through a port 226, forcing the piston 2I2 forwardly.Pressure is transmitted from the shouldered forward end of the pistonrod 264 to the yoke I96, thence to the ram shell I64, thence from theforward end of the shell I64 to the'revolving cylinder I68, thence fromthe rear end of the cylinder I66 to the pressing head I64, thence to therear end of the stub end 22. stub end 22 will engage with and enter thetorque tube 24. The end thrust thus transmitted to the torque tube 24will cause the latter to commence to telescope the hub 26 of the yoke,and the pressing in of both fittings will proceed to completionsimultaneously, the torque tube24 sliding axially in its V-blockbearings 66 during the operation.

The return stroke of the ram is accomplished by delivering fluid to thechamber 2I6 of the cylinder 266 through a port 222 in the forward head2I6.

As the ram-moves axially in either direction,

the gear I 66 will be carried along with it, sliding on the shaft 46 andremaining in keyed relation thereto by the sliding of its key in theelongated key-way 224.

The hydraulic pressing mechanism shown is capable of developing amplepower to exert the As the ram advances, the

pressures needed for effecting the tight press-fit of the fittings inthe ends of the torque tube, which pressures may, for example, reach athousand pounds at the end of the pressing stroke.

Backing-01f unit The backing-off unit is best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2,4 and 5. A quick-acting mechanism is required for this purpose, andaccordingly an air motor is employed, including a cylinder 230, pivotedat 232 to the forward rail 26, and having a piston 234 connected to apiston rod,236. The forward end of the rod 236 is pivoted at 238 to oneend of a lever 240 the other end of which is attached to a shaft 242journalled in bearing brackets 244 formed integrally with the rambracket 44. Intermediate the brackets 244, directly above the major axisof the machine, the shaft 242 is formed with a cam 246 which has aslight rise 248 adapted, when the cam is rotated counter-clockwise asviewed in Fig. 4, to engage a cam block 250 of hardened material insetinto a bracket 252, which is mounted upon the yoke I88, and thereforerigidly associated with the ram. The base of the bracket .252 may berabbeted as at 254 into the yoke I88 so as to form an adequatethrust-transmitting connection between the two. The bracket 252 may besecured to the yoke I88 as by means of machine screws 256.

The control mechanism J for the backing-off unit includes the air valve258 having an inlet 260 communicating with a source of air pressure, andtwo outlets communicating through tubes 262 and 264, respectively, withthe forward and rear ends of the cylinder 230. The valve is aconventional type of two-way valve which in one position, as determinedby the position of the valve arm 266 allows air to flow from the inlet260 to the tube 262, and thence to the forward end of the cylinder 230,and, when in the position indicated by the dotted line showing of arm266, allows air to flow from the inlet 266 through the tube 264 to therear end of the cylinder 230.

When air is thus supplied to the rear end of the cylinder 230, thepiston 234 will be driven rapidly forwardly, swinging the arm 240 to theright as viewed in Fig. 2, and rotating the cam 286 counter-clockwise soas to bring the rising portion 248 thereof into contact with the camblock 256, thereby forcing the ram rearwardly a slight distance againstthe pressure in the chamber 2H3 of the hydraulic pressing mechanism,which at the forward end of the ram stroke is reduced to, for example,50 lbs. per sq. inch. The backing-off mechanismis able to accomplishthis because of the great leverage multiplication in the arm 240 and cam246.

As the piston moves forwardly, the air in the forward region of thecylinder 230 will bleed through the tube 262 and back through the valve.Likewise, when the piston is moving rearwardly, the air in the rear endof the cylinder will bleed through the tube 264 and back through thevalve, the latter being constructed in a well known manner so as toallow such bleeding in either of its positions of adjustment, andtherefore not being illustrated in detail.

The valve 258 is operated by theram I62 through the medium of thebracket 252 and the valve operating mechanism, which includes a valveoperating rod 268 extending through an opening 218 in the bracket 252,and slidably mounted in bearings in the respective ends of a valvemechanism casing 212 mounted upon the cylinder heads 208 and H0. Thevalve 258 is mounted upon the casing 212, and its operating arm 266 isconnected to the operating rod 268 through the medium of a link 214,pivoted at one end to the valve arm 266, a lever 218 pivoted at one endto the other end of the link 214, a shaft 282 on which the other end ofthe lever 218 is mounted, the shaft 282 extending transversely throughthe casing 212 and journalled in the side walls thereof, a fork 284, oneend of which is mounted upon the shaft 282 inside the casing 212, and asleeve 286 slidably receiving the operating rod 268, the sleeve 286having a groove 288 receiving the pins 280 of the fork 284. The sleeve286 is square in exterior cross-section, so as to provide fiat faceswhich are embraced by the fork 284 so as to prevent it from rotating. Onits underside, the sleeve 286 is provided with a detent 282 adapted tocoact with a trigger 284 for holding it in a set position, against thepressure of a coil spring 286 encircling the rod 268 between the sleeve286 and a collar 298 secured on the rod.

The spring 286 urges the sleeve 286 in a direction to move the valve 258to a position wherein air is admitted to the rear end of the cylinder230 for the backing-off operation. The valve opcrating mechanism is setby the ram during the completion of its return stroke, through themedium of the bracket 252 engaging a collar 300 fixed on the shaft 268,thereby moving the shaft to the left as viewed in Fig. 4, and causing acollar 302 secured on the rod 268 inside the casing 212, to engage theforward end of the sleeve 286 and move it rearwardly, until the detent282 rides over the end of the trigger 284, whereupon the latter will beswung upwardly around its pivot 304 by a spring 306 stretched betweenthe trigger and the top of the casing 212.

The trigger 284 is released at the end of the advancing stroke of theram. As the ram advances to perform the pressing operation, the bracket252 will, near the end of the advancing stroke, engage a collar 308secured on the forward end of the shaft rod 268. During the completionof the ram stroke, the rod 268 will be drawn forwardly, compressing thespring 286. At the end of the stroke, a conical face 310 of the collar382 will engage an incline M2 on the trigger 284 so as to force thetrigger 294 downwardly, thereby releasing the sleeve 286 and allowingthe spring 286 to propel the same forwardly so as to shift the valve toposition for operating the back-off mechanism.

Welding mechanism The welding mechanism is shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 9 and10. The welding heads F and G shown in Fig. 2 in dotted lines, arestandard General Electric electric arc-welding units each including adownwardly projecting electrode 360 in the form of a downwardly feedablewire of welding metal, and each mounted so that the electrode 360 may beadjusted with reference to the work. The electrode 360 of the unit F ispositioned to register (with the end of the torque tube 24 and theshoulder 362 of the yoke 20 when the tube has been pressed intoassembled position. The yoke is grounded to the welding unit through thechuck 12 in which it is tightly clamped, the chuck spindle 10, aconductor ring 364 encircling the spindle 10, and carried by a stud 366slidably mounted in an insulating bushing 368 in the chuck spindlehousing 64 under the pressure of a coil spring 310, and the ground wire812 of the welding unit F.

The electrode III of the welding head G is positioned to register withthe junction between the other end of the propeller tube Il and theshoulder Ill of the'stub end II at the end of the pressing operation.The stub end II is grounded through the pressing head I, a conductorshaft- IIl mounted in the head I and projecting rearwardly through thehollow hub ill of the cylinder III, brushes Ill mounted in, the yoke IIIand engaging the shaft Ill, and a suitable conductor as leading from thebrushes in to the ground wire Ill.

Each welding unit is mounted on a bracket Ill which is pivoted at I'llon a horizontal axis in a yoke III, and tiltably adjusted with referenceto the yoke Ill by a' set screw III. The yoke Ill in turn is pivoted atIII on a vertical axis in one end of a horizontally swingable arm III,the other to a shaft Ill, journalled in a housing Ill. On the shaftIll'in the housing III is a worm Ill meshing with a worm wheel III on atransversely arranged gear shaft IIIleading to the change speed gearmechanism shown in Fig. 7, for transferring the drive to thetransmission shaft N.

The changespeed gearing includes a pair of 1 gears III and I looselymounted on the gear shaft III, and each meshing with a respective gearIII, III secured on a countershaft III. A

end of which is pivoted at I in a vertically adintegrally with the rambracket ll.

The bracket III is vertically adjusted by means of an adjusting screwIIl, suspended from a swivel head III on the top of the post III. Endthrust anti-friction bearings III and III are employed to carry the loadfrom the adjusting screw :94 to the swivel head III and from the swivelhead III tothe top of the post III, respectively. The screw Ill isprovided with a squared head I to which a wrench may be applied forrotating the screw. 1

The three vertical pivots III, IIl, III allow a welding unit to beadjusted either transversely or longitudinally of the machine. Thehorizontal pivot I'll allows the unit to be tilted around an axisparallel to the axis of the work, and the adlusting screw IIl providesfor bodily raising or lowering the welding unit. Tightening the clampscrews llil of the clamp III takes the vertical load off of the screwIIl and secures the bracket 385 against lateral swinging.

Shield mechanism In connection with the welding unit F, there isprovided a shield I, carried by an arm "I mounted on a shaft llIjournalled in the frame member Ill, and adapted to swing from aninoperative position shown in full-lines in Fig. 9 to the dotted lineposition shown in that figure, and, in the latter position, to shieldthe chuck II from the welding arc, thus avoiding overheating of thechuck and consequent interference with the insertion of yokes therein bythe operator. on

the shaft llll is apinion llI meshing with a Work-revolving mechanismThe work-revolving mechanism (Figs. 1, 2. 7 and 8) includes the motor N,which is mounted on a bracket Ill on the rear of the base A, and

shiftable clutch element III is slidably and nonrotatably mounted on theshaft III for movement into engagement with jaw clutch elements I on therespective gears III, IIl, so as to selectively transfer the drive fromthe shaft III to either the gear III or the gear I. The clutch elementIII is controlled by a lever III secured on an eccentric III having aneccentric pin Ill' engaging in a groove 2 in the slidable clutch elementIII. The lever III has a handle Ill terminating in a spring urgedplunger Ill engageable in either of two depressions III in a keepermember III, for determining the two positions of gear shift.

The shafts III and III, and the shifting eccentric III, are journalledas shown in the gear casing III secured to the forward end of themachine.

The transmission shaft 48 is driven from the counter-shaft III by a wormIll on the latter shaft, meshing with a worm-wheel III mounted on theshaft l8 inside the housing III into which the forward end of the shaftlI projects and is journalled.

The drive is transferred from the motor shaft III through the flexiblecoupling III to the shaft Ill and the worm Ill, thence to the worm-wheelIII, thence to the shaft III, thence to the slidable ,iaw clutch IlI,thence, to either one of the jawclutch elements I and the gear I or IIIassociated therewith, thence to the gear III or III, thence through theshaft III to the worm Ill, thence to the worm-wheel III, thence to theshaft 48, and the gears ll, III mounted thereon, thence to the idlersII, III, thence to the gears II, III, and thence to the chuck-spindle l0and stub end locator sleeve drive cylinder III.

The clutch III, I is simply for the purpose of changing the gear ratiobetween the motor and? Manual control mechanism Referring now to Figs.2, 11, 12, 13 and 14, there is provided a manual control rod lII pivotedat "I to one end'of a control lever 4, the other.

end of which is mounted on a valve shaft lIIt journalled in the rails28. The control rod III has'three positions of adjustment determined bysteps lII, llll, andllI formed on its underside and adapted to coactwith a keeper-,lll in which the free end of the lever slides.

Turning now to Figs. 11, l2, l3, and 14, on the rear rail 28 is mounteda panel I which carries the chuck control valve 8 and the ram controlvalve III, at its respective ends. Mounted on the central region of thepanel I in spaced relation thereto, is a bracket "2. The valve shaft lIIprojects through the panel I and the bracket III, and a valve controlcam disc lll is secured to the shaft 4 between the panel I and the has ashafts" coupledby a flexible coupling m bracket 452. The cam disc 484 isprovided with cam slots 458 and 458 respectively for controlling thechuck and ram valves 448 and 858 respectively. Each valve has a valverod 480 attached to a pull rod 462 slidably mounted in the bracket 482and carrying at its end a roller 488 received in a cam slot 458 or 458as the case may be.

The three positions of the control lever 438 corresponding to thepositions of the control lever determined by stops 438, 440 and 842respectively, are indicated in Fig. 11 as of the "off," #1" and #2positions, respectively. In the of? position, both rollers #84 arepositioned in the inner dwell portions 685 and 488 respectively ot thecam slots and 858, and both valves 4% and are adjusted to positions formaintaining their respective chucking and pressing units in theirinitial work-receiving positions.

When the control lever 43!; is moved to the #l" position, the risingportion of the cam slot will move the corresponding; roller 48% radiallyoutwardly, thus shifting the #1 valve to position for supplying fluid tothe chamber l 88 of the chuck-operating cylinder, thereby causing thechuck jaws to close upon the work. During this operation, the dwellportion 488 oi the cam slot 458, will rotate with respect to its roller884, without moving the latter. Accordingly, the #2 or ram-controllingvalve will not be changed.

When the lever is moved to the #2 position, the outer dwell portion 412of the cam slot 456 will assume control of its roller 864, holding the#1 valve in the position to which it has just been adjusted.Simultaneously, the rising portion 414 of the cam slot 458 will move itscorresponding roller 464 radially outwardly, thereby shifting the "#2"valve to position for delivering fluid to the chamber 2 of the pressingmechanism so as to advance the ram I82 for the pressing operation.

Simultaneously with the adjusting of the #2" valve to the position Justmentioned, an air valve 418, mounted on a rearward extension 418 of thebracket 452, is adjusted to a position for delivering air under pressureto the lower chamber of the air cylinder 418 so as to lower the guard408 to its operative position.

The operating mechanism for the air valve 418 includes an arm 480secured to the control shaft 438 and carrying a set screw 482 adapted toengage against the short arm 484 of a bell crank lever 488 secured tothe valve shaft 488 of the air valve 418, when the manual control lever484 commences to move from the #1 to the #2" position.

The valve 418 is urged toward its other position by a weight 480suspended by a rod 482 from the long arm 494 of the bell crank lever488. Movement of the bell crank lever 488 under the pull of the weight480 is limited at the #1 position, as shown in Fig. 14, by a stop 488 inthe form of an integral projection on the casing'of the valve 418disposed in the path of movement of a lug 498 formed on the bell cranklever 488.

It will now be apparent that the air valve operating mechanismconstitutes a lost motion connection between the control shaft 438 andthe air valve shaft 488. During movement of the control lever 434between the off and #1 positions, the bell crank lever 488 remainssupported against the stop 488, and the arm 488 swings freely with itsset screw 482 out of contact with the bell crank lever. During movementbetween the #1 and #2 positions, the arm 480 and the maintained incontact with each other by the weight 480.

The timing of the air valve with respect to the hydraulic valve may bevaried within limits by changing the position of the adjusting screw482, so that if desired, the opening of the air valve may be set tooccur before or after the beginning of the pressing operation instead ofsimultaneously th-.rewith.

The chuck control valve 448 is supplied with fluid through a line 500which is connected to a suitable pump 802 (Fig. 15) arranged to pump thefluid from a reservoir 504 through a line and to deliver it to therespective valves 448 and 450. The pump 502 is adapted to deliver apressure of a thousand pounds per square inch. However, this pressurecannot be used for all of the hydraulically operated units, the chuckingunit requiring only two hundred fifty pounds per square inch, and thepressing unit requiring a thousand pounds during the pressing operationand onev hundred fifty pounds for the return stroke of the ram.

Accordingly, a series of pressure control valves are employed inconnection with the main hydraulic control valves 448 and 450. From thepump 502, the fluid passes through a pipe 508 to a release valve 5l0which is set at eleven hundred fifty pounds pressure, thence through apipe 512 to a reducing valve 5, which is set for 250 pound constantpressure, thence through 2h; line 500 to the #1 or chuck control valveFrom the valve 448, the fluid passes through a pipe 5l8, when thecontrol lever is in the #1 position, to the inlet I88 of the chucklingcylinder and thence into the chamber I34 thereof for closing-the jaws ofthe chuck. The excess fluid is by-passed through the valve 510 into areturn pipe 520 and thence back to the tank 504.

When the control lever 484 is in the #2" position, fluid, supplied tothe #2" valve through a line 522 leading directly from the pump 502,will be delivered from the valve 450 through a pipe 524 directly to theinlet 22'!) of the ram cylinder 208, and thence into the chamber 2H forcarrying out the pressing operation. The pipe 824 is connected to avalve 528, which 7 is set for two hundred fifty pounds, and thence bellcrank lever 488 move together as a unit, being 1 to a valve 528 and apipe 530 and the inlet port 220 of the pressing cylinder 288, into thechamber 2 of the pressing cylinder 208, so as to carry out the pressingoperation. When the pressure in the chamber 214 is built up toapproximately one thousand pounds, which occurs at the end of thepressing operation, a valve 532 will open, allowing fluid to beby-passed through a pipe 584, a valve 588, and a pipe 538 to the returnline 520. The valve 588 allows the pressure in the ram cylinder to dropto fifty pounds during the welding operation.

When the control lever is in the oif" position, fluid is delivered fromthe #2" valve 458 through a pipe 540 into the chamber N8 of the ramcylinder 208, so as to return the ram to its starting position. A valve542, connected to the line 540 by means of a pipe 544, and to the returnline 520, maintains the pressure in the ram cylinder at pounds duringthe return stroke. Simultaneously, the chucking jaws will be opened ashereinbefore described. Air for operation of the guard mechanism isdelivered from an air supply 548 through a supply line 548 to the inletof the air valve 418. When the control lever is in the off position orthe #1" position, air

- assess I will be delivered from the valve m a pipe 666 to the'lowerchamber of the air cylin-' der 6, thereby lowering the guard 466 to itsoperative position. When the lever is in the "#2" position, air will bedelivered from the valve 416 through a pipe 662 to the upper chamber ofthe air cylinder 6, thereby raising th ard to its inoperative position.

Automatic controls The ram having been advanced to the end of thepressing-in stroke, a a result of moving thei manual control lever' tothe #2 position as described above, the welding operation will probuttontype of switch 666, mounted in a housing 660 which in turn is secured at662 upon the rear slide flange I66, 01' the ram slide-way. A switchoperating arm 664 ismounted within the housing 666 upon a shaft 666transversely jourjust described. The closing of these welding unit 1eluding a solenoid operated switch, moved to closed position by theenergizing of the circuit control switches establishes parallel circuitsfrom the generator 666 through the resistors 664 and 666 and conductors666, 66!, through the welding control units 666, 666, through thewelding arcs 6|! and the feed circuit 6 for controlling the feeding ofthe welding electrodes 666, to the ground 6" leading back to thegenerator 666.

As soon as the voltage of the welding arcs has been built up to a properlevel for welding, a solenoid operated switch 626, normally open, willbe closed so as to energize the work revolving motor 46 through acircuit parallel to the welding head circuits, including a conductor 6l6which is in electrical communication with the conductor 664, a conductor622, the motor 46, and a conductor 624 leading to the ground H6.

nailed therein, and at its free end carries an 7 adjustable stud 666arranged toengagethe push button of the switch 666.

Secured upon the shaft 666 outside of the housing 666 is an operatinglever 616. A cam the furcations formed by the slot 614, near the upperend of the slot. Below the pivot 616, the pawl 612 is adapted to engagethe inner extremity of the slot 614 so as to be limited, in its swingingmovement toward the lever 616, at the upright position shown in Figure6.

In this upright position, the lever 612 is adapted to rest upon a cam616 carried by the ram I62.

At approximately the end of the advancing stroke of the ram, the cam616, moving in the direction indicated by the arrow 616, will arrive ata position as shown in Fig. 6 wherein the pawl 612 will drop of! thecam. When this occurs, the switch operating arm 664, swinging downwardlyunder its own weight supplemented by that of the lever 61!) and the pawl612, will depress the button of the switch 666- and establish a circuitThe circuits to the motor 46-and welding heads, thus established, willremain energized during slightly more than one complete rotation of thework, during which time the joints between the respective fittings andthe tube 24, will be joined by welds which overlap slightly at-theirends.

The circuits to the welding heads and motor are deenergized by. thelimit switch L, which, as shown in Fig. 7, includes a stationary contact626 normally engaged bya switch arm 626 mounted on shaft 636 journalledin the switch housing 632. An arm 634, secured upon the shaft 666outside of the housing 662, is engaged by a'compression spring 636 so asto urge the switch arm 626 toward its closed position shown.

In the outer end of the arm 634 is journalled a roller 636 which, whenthe work has completed a revolution, is engaged by a cam 6'46 carried bya sleeve 642 rotatably mounted by means of bearings 644 (see Fig. 8) onthe forward end of the transmission shaft 46. The sleeve 642 is providedwith jaw clutch teeth 646 which are adapted to engage with mating teethof a shiftable jaw clutch element 646 splined at 666 upon the shaft 46.When clutch elements 646, 646 engage, the sleeve 642 will rotate withthe shaft 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow 662 in Fi 7.

The starting position of .the cam 640 is shown in full line in Fig. '7.This position is determined through the welding heads F and G and themotor 46, of the workrevolving mechanism.

, ger 666, under the urge of a weight 668 adjust- The electrical circuitactually employed in.

carrying this out, involves a very complicated system of relays and thelike, and since it is largely conventional in its detailed aspects, onlya very skeletonized diagram of the circuit is shown in Fig. 16. As shownby this diagram the closing oi. the starting switch K' establishes acircuit from a source of supply 666 of 220 volt alternating currentthrough wires 662 and 664 to a solenoid operated switch 666. The switch666, in turn establishes two circuits, one a volt direct current circuitincluding, in series, a constant potential direct current generator 666,a conductor 690, one side of the switch 686, a conductor 662, the limitswitch L, a conductor 664, the welding head control units 666 and 666,and the conductors 606 and 662 respectively leading from the weldingcontrol units 666 and 666 respectively, through resistors 664 and 666respectively back to the generator 666. The control uriits 666 and 666are conventional welding head controls, wired in parallel as indicatedby the conductors 666, M6, respectively, and each inably threaded uponthe stud 664. The weight 666 is eccentric relative to the stud 664 inorder to assure full contact with the trigger 666.

Prior to the closing 0! the starting switch 61, the sleeve 64! is freelyrotatable on the shaft 416 due to the clutch elements 646, 646 beingdiser'i: gaged. The control for the shiftable clutch, element 646comprises a solenoid 660, the armature 662 of which projects downwardlyand is pivoted to a bell crank lever 664. The bell crank lever 664 ispivoted at 666 in a bracket 666 carried by the bracket I62, and'has afork 616 ccacting with the trunnion 612 of a clutch throwout ring 614rotatably mounted on the shiftable clutch element 646. The weight of thearmature 662 and lever 664 normally maintains the clutch element 646 inits disengaged position.

Closing of the starting switch K establishes.

in addition to the direct current circuit through the welding heads andmotor 46, as previously described, a second circuit, leading from thesource 666 of alternating current, through the other side of the switch666, a'conductor 616, the solenoid 660, and a conductor 618 leading backto the source of energy 580. This circuit energizes the solenoid 660,drawing the armature 682 upwardly and moving the clutch element 648 intoclutching engagement with the clutch teeth 646. Thus the sleeve 552becomes drivingly connected to the shaft 48 at the same time that thelatter commences to rotate.

The gearing between the shaft 48 and the chucking and pressing units isarranged so that the slightly more than one revolution of the latter isaccompanied by approximately A; of a revolution of the shaft 48. At theend of this revolution, the weight 658 and cam 64% will have rotated, inthe direction indicated by the arrow 652, to the position shown indotted lines. In this position of the cam 640, it will have engaged theroller 638 and thereby moved the switch arm St ll to the position shownin dotted lines, opening the limit switch L. This breaks the circuitbetween the starting switch K and the welding head control units598,508, and the motor 46. As a result, the switch 620 will openimmediately, stopping the motor 46, while the power to the electrodes ismaintained until the arcs become extinguished in a conventional manner.

The alternating current circuit to the solenoid S60 remains closed afterthe de-energization of the welding heads and the work revolving motorcircuits, in order to avoid reclosing of the limit switch L prior to theopening of the starting switch K. When the latter does open, theoperating circuit of the solenoid switch 586 will be de-energized, andthe switch 586 will therefore open, de-energizing the solenoid 660 anddeclutching the sleeve 642 from the shaft 48. The weight 658 which haspreviously been supported in the position shown in dotted lines, willthen swing through the remaining /8 of its revolution, passing thetrigger 656 which is pivoted at 680 in the bracket 68!, and depressingit against the resistance of a coil spring 682 which, as soon as thestud 654 has passed the end of the trigger 655, raises thelatter'to itsfull line position so as to catch the stud upon its back swing. Thus thelimit switch L is reset for the next operation, be-

coming closed as soon as the cam 640 rides on beyond the roller 638. Ifthis resetting operation were allowed to take place prior to the openingof the starting switch, the circuit through the welding units and workrotating motor would be re-established. Therefore provision is made forholding the cam 640 in engagement with the roller 638 so as to maintainthe limit switch open during the interval between the de-energization ofthe welding and work rotating units and the opening of the startingswitch.

Returning now to the starting switch, it may be pointed out that it isnecessary that this switch remain closed during the backing offoperation. Accordingly, the opening of the switch does not occur at thesame point in the travel of the ram as the closing, but is delayed so asto allow the ram to complete a substantial portion of its return strokebefore the opening occurs. To this end, the pawl 512, which controls theclosing of the switch, by dropping off the end of the cam 518, ispivoted so as to trail against the cam 518 without raising the arm 510during the return stroke of the ram. The opening of the switch K iscontrolled by a cam follower stud 684, adjustably mounted in the arm 510by being threaded therethrough, and adapted to engage a rise 686 on thecam 518, so as to raise the arm 510 to a position allowing the switch558 to open of the ram,and support the arm 510 until it again reachesthe end of the cam 518.

This completes the detailed description of the machine. The operation ofthe various parts thereof has been described in detail in connectionwith the foregoing description, but, in order to present a co-ordinatedpicture thereof, will be reviewed in the following:

Summary of operations To start the operation of the machine, theoperator closes a master control switch (not shown) which energizes thegenerator 588 and brings the A. C. current supply up to the solenoidswitch 588. A torque tube 24 is then placed in the V blocks 38, and ayoke and stub end 20, 22 are inserted over the pilot I00 and into the10- cator sleeve I86 respectively. The operator then moves the manualcontrol rod 430 to the left as viewed in Fig. 2, to its intermediateposition determined by the stop 448. This movement causes the valve 448to assume a position to deliver fluid under pressure from the pump 502to the chucking unit cylinder 14, resulting in the chucking jaws 94closing upon the yoke arms 98 of the yoke 20, and the valve 450 todeliver fluid under pressure from the pump 502 to the cylinder 206 ofthe ram unit so as to advance the ram toward the tube 24. During the ramstroke, the bracket 252 carried by the ram will engage the collar 308 ofthe back-off control valve operating rod 268, sliding the rod 268forwardly through the sleeve 286 which is held back by the trigger 294and thus compressing the spring 286. At the end or the ram stroke, thecammed face .3! 0 or the sleeve 302 will engage the trigger 284,depressing it and releasing the sleeve 286, allowing the latter to bepropelled forwardly by the spring 296, and thereby shifting the valve258 to a position wherein air under pressure from the air supply 546 isdelivered to the air cylinder of the backing oflf unit H, so as torotate the cam 248 counter-clockwise against the cam element 250 andthereby force the ram rearwardly a slight distance against the pressureof 50 lbs. to which the fluid in the chamber 2|4 has been reduced as aresult oi the opening of the valve 532 under the thousand lbs. pressurewhich is built up at the end of the ram stroke. The fittings 20, 22,will now have been pressed completely into the ends of the tube 24 andthe ram will have been backed away into a position allowing freerotation of the tube, and will be held in that position by the pressureof 50 lbs. urging the ram against the cam 248. I Simultaneously with thebacking off operation Just described. the starting switch K will beclosed as a result of the pawl 512 dropping off the end of the cam 518,thus starting the operation of the work revolving mechanism and thewelding heads, and clutching the limit switch control cam to the shaft48 for revolution therewith during the welding operation. The startingof the motor 48 is slightly delayed until the arc voltage has been builtup to a proper level for welding.

The welding operation then proceeds until the work has revolved slightlymore than a revolution, whereupon the cam 640 of the limit switch L willmove the roller 638 to the right as viewed in Fig. 7, opening the limitswitch. This causes 11126 gigimediatedsttkopping of the work revolvingnism, an e extin uishl are slightly thereafter. g ng of the weldmg Thewelding operation having been fully coinpleted, the operator now am. themanual com trolfswitch to its starting position. This movement returnsboth of the valves 0, Ito their initial ositions wherein fiuid isdelivered to the opposite ends of their respective cylinders so as torelease the laws of the chuck, and to move the ram back to its startingposition. The same movement of the manual controllever reverses thevalve 418 so as to deliver air to the opposite end of the cylinder litof theshield mechanism,

pressing operation so "to tbepressurewrxonthefittingandallowthesametorotatefreely relative to the ram, meansinitiated at the comraising the guard to its inoperative position shownin full lines.

During the return stroke of the ram, the startthe cycle just described.

I claim:

1. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, means to supporta shaft, means to press a fitting into a press fit connection with anend of the shaft, and means, initiated by the pressing mechanism at thecompletion of the pressing operation for welding the fitting to theshaft.

2. In a combined assembling press and welding -machine, means to supporta shaft, means to press a'fltting into Ea press fit connwtion with anend of the shaft, m'eans, initiated by the pressing means for rotating.the shaft and fitting, and

- means for welding the fitting to the shaft during such rotation.

pletion of the pressing operation for rotating the fitting'and saidmember, and means for welding said fitting to said member during suchrotation. 7. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, meansadapted to rotatably support a fitting formed for a press fit connectionwith an end" of a shaft, and to apply pressure to the fitting foreffecting. such connection, quick acting fiuid pressure operated meansto relieve such pressure at the end of the pressing operation soastoallowthefittingtofreelyrotatewithrespect to the ram, means initiatedat the end of the pressing operation for rotating said shaft andfitting. and means for welding the fitting to the shaft during suchrotation.

3. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, means to supporta shaft, means to ,press a fitting into telescoping connection with anend of said shaft, and separate means automatically initiated at thecompletion of the pressing operation for respectively rotating the shaftand fitting and for welding the telescoping portions of the fitting andthe shaft during such rotation.

4. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, means to supporta shaft, means to press a fitting into telescoping connection with anend of said shaft, and separate means, automatically initiated at thecompletion of the pressing operation, for first releasing the pressurefrom said fitting, for rotating the shaft and fittings, and for weldingthe telescoping portions of the fittings and shaft during such rotation.

5. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, means to supporta shaft, a ram mounted for sliding movement in a direction parallel tosaid shaft, adapted to rotatably support in align-, ment with saidshaft, a fitting formed for telescoping connection with an end of saidshaft,

means for applying pressure to the ram for effecting such telescopingconnection, means automatically initiated at the end .of the pressingoperation to first back oi! the ram slightly so as to allow the fittingto rotate freely with relation to the ram, and to then rotate the shaftand fitting, and means for welding the fitting to the shaft during suchrotation.

6. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, a slidable ramadapted to support a fitting formed for a press-fit connection withanother member, hydraulic means 'for applying pressure to the ram foreffecting said connection, means for backing'off the ram against thepres- 8. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, meansadapted to rotatably support a fitting formed for a press fit connectionwith an end of a shaft, and to apply pressure to the fitting forefiecting such connection, means to relieve such pressure at the end ofthe pressing operation to as to allow the fitting to freely rotate,means initiated at the end of the pressing operation for rotating saidshaft and fitting, and means for welding the fitting to the shaft duringsuch rotation, said pressure'relieving means comprising a rotatable camengageable witha forward face of the pressure applying means, a quickacting fiuid motor for rotating said cam, .a source of fiuid underpressure, and a valve, opened at the end of the forward stroke of thepressure applying means, for admitting said fiuid under pressure to saidfiuid motor.

9. A combined assembling press and welding machine as defined in claim7., wherein said pressure relieving means comprises 7 a quick-actingfiuid motor, a source of fluid under pressure, a valve adapted when opento admit fiuid from said source to said motor, a spring-powered valveoperating element adapted to be moved by the pressure applying meansduring the return stroke of the latter, to an energized position, and atrigger for setting said element in said energized po-' sition, saidtrigger being adapted to betripped by the pressure applying means at theend of the forward stroke of th latter.

10. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, a frame, meansto support a tubular shaft for rotation, and means for supporting inalignment with and pressing into the end of said shaft, a stub endadapted to have a press fit telescoping connection therewith, said lastmeans comprising a ram mounted in the frame for sliding movementparallel to th axis of said shaft, said ram including a cylinder havinga bore coaxial with the shaft, a shell rotatable in said bore and inaxial thrust receiving association with said cylinder, said shell havingin its forward region piloting means; for receiving said stub end,- andin its rear region, pressure transmitting means against whichthe rearend of said stub end may abut, means for drivingly engaging said rearend of said stub end and means for rotating said shell so a to causesaid stub end and shaft to rotate at the completion of the pressingoperation, said last means comprising a transmission shaft parallel tothe axis of rotation, and gearing forming a drive connection betweensaid transmission shaft and said shell,

sure of said hydraulic means at the end of the 75,

said-gearing being carried by the ram and having a slidable drivingconnection with said transmissionshaft.

ii. A combined assembling press and welding machine as defined in claim10, wherein the means against which said stub end abuts is providcd withe. conductor proiecting th ough the rear end of the shell, and e. brushcooperating" the proieciing oi seid eonduoi-or for transmitting weldingcurrent to said stub end.

12. n e. combined assembling press and welding machine, moons to supporte shaft, rotatable devices for supporting" end loceif'iig :1 alignmeni;with and adjacent the re eciive ends of ssid shaft, e, oi fittingsadopted each to have n press-iii connection with e, respective end ofsaid sheds, moons to apply pressure against one of devices so no tonseembie both of said fittings on the shaft, 331983311; I zividueiiyrohate, in unison with each other, h of sold de-- vices so as to rotatethe fittings the shaft wish a minimuLi of torque transmission ihere=between, and means for Welding fittings in the shaft during suchrotation.

13. In 2, combined assembling press and welding machine, means toefi'ect 2, press-fit connection between the end of n shni end a fitting,means for rotating the sheii. and fitting after the completion of suchconnection, means for welding the fitting to the shaft during suchrocation, and a, starting switch, actuated by the pressing means at theend of the pressing operation, for simultaneously energizing both saidrotating means and said welding means.

14. In a. combined assembling press and welding machine, a. frame,including means for supporting a shaft, a pressing ram slidably mountedin the frame and adapted to rotatably support a fitting formed for apress-fit connection with an end of said shaft, means including anelectric motor for rotating the shaft and fitting, means for welding thefitting to the shaft during such rotation, a starting switch mounted onthe frame, adapted to simultaneously energize both said motor and saidwelding means, said starting switch including an operating lever, and a.switch actuator carried by the ram and coacting with said lever so as toclose said switch at the end of the forward stroke of the ram.

15. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, means to-supporta shaft, means to'press a fitting into telescoping connection with anend of said shaft, means including an electric motor for rotating theshaft and fitting, electric welding means for welding the fitting to theshaft during such rotation, a. starting switch actuated by the pressingmeans at the end of the pressing operation for simultaneously energizingsaid motor and said welding means, and means controlled by said rotatingmeans at the end of a. predetermined amount of rotation thereof, forbreaking the circuit of said motor.

16. In a. combined assembling press and weld-' ing machine, means tosupport a shaft, means to press a fitting into telescoping connectionwith an end of said shaft, means for rotating the fitting and the shaft,including an electric motor on! a power transmitting shaft driven bysaid motor, electric welding means for welding the fitting to the shaftduring such rotation, a. starting switch, actuated by the pressing meansat the end of the pressing operation for energizing both said motor andsaid welding means, a. limit switch in series with said starting switch,normally closed, and a. switch actuator carried by said transmittingshaft and adapted to open said limit switch at the end of apredetermined amount of rotation of said shaft so as to deenerglze saidmotor.

17. A combined welding and assembling press as defined in claim 16,wherein said actuator is rotatably mounted on said shaft, a clutch forconnecting said actuator to the shaft, a. solenoid for operating saidcluim, sold solenoid being energized at all times when the piercingswitch is closed and means whereby said starting swiich is closed or theend of the fervor stroke oi the pressing means and is opened after saidpressing means has partially returned to its starting position. 7

18. A combined assembling press and welding machine as defined in claim16, wherein said ectuetor is rotatably mounted on sci transmis sionshaft, a clutch for connecting said actuator to the shaft, a solenoidfor operating said clutch, weight means for swinging said actuator to astarting position when released by clutch, and a latch for determiningsaid starting position.

19. In a combined assemblin press and welding machine, mews to support ashaft, means to separately supp rt a pair of fittings in axially alignedrelationship adjacentthe ends of the shaft, means for pressing thefittings into the respective ends of the shaft while thus supported,means for separately synchronously rotating said fitting supportingmeans so as to rotate the as sembled fittings and shaft with a minimumof transmission of torque therebetween, and means for welding thefittings to the shaft while thus rotating.

20. A machine as defined in claim 19, including means for relieving thepressure on the fittings at the end of the pressing operation.

21. In an assembling press, means to rotatably support two elementsadapted for a press fit connection with each other, and to applypressure to one of said elements for effecting such connection, means torelieve such pressure at the end of the pressing operation so as toallow said elements to rotate freely for the purpose of a subsequentoperation, said pressure relieving means comprising a rotatable camengageable with a forward face of the pressure applying means, aquick-acting fluid motor for rotating said cam, a source of fluid underpressure, and a valve, opened at the end of the forwardstroke of thepressure applying means, for admitting said fluid under pressure to saidfiuid motor.

22. An assembling press as defined in claim 21, including a valve forcontrolling the fiow of fluid to said pressure relieving means, a springpowered valve operating element adapted to be moved by the pressureapplying means during the return stroke of the latter, to an energizedposition, and a. trigger for setting said element in said energizedposition, said trigger being adapted to be tripped by thepressureapplying means at the end of the forward stroke of the latter.

23. In a combined assembling press and welding machine, means adapted torotatably support a. fitting formed for a press-fit connection with anend of a shaft, and to apply pressure to the fitting for effecting suchconnection, means to relieve such pressure at the end of a pressingoperation so as to allow the fitting to freely rotate, said meansincluding a quick-acting fluid motor and force-multiplying means fortransferring pressure from said motor to a forward face of the pressureapplying means, means initinted at the end of the pressing operation forrotating said shaft and fitting, and means for

